By Hugh Wilson

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May 1, 2013 14:30:00

After a 94th minute winner last week, Rafa Benitez’s men hold a slender lead going into the Europa League second leg for a place in the final, with our tipster backing a 11/2 shot

David Luiz’s strike late on last Thursday has put Chelsea in the driving seat against Swiss champions Basel after a 2-1 victory away in Switzerland. The Blues have been less than convincing in this year's competition, but are one step away from a place in the final.

Rafa Benitez’s men come into this match after a solid victory against Swansea at home in the Premier League at the weekend.

Chelsea are currently unbeaten at home in Europe this season, recording impressive victories against the likes of Rubin Kazan and Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Blues are heavy favourites for this clash with William Hill pricing them at 1/2 (1.50) to come away with the win.

Basel have it all to do in this clash with Chelsea scoring two away goals last week. The Swiss side have been impressive at home in the competition this season, but their away form has been terrible.

Murat Yakin’s side were more than a match for Tottenham in London in the last round, but have yet to record a win away from home in the Europa League this season. William Hill don’t give them much chance in this game, pricing them at 6/1 (7.00) to beat the reigning European Champions.

For those who think the game will end in a draw, which will see Chelsea progress, you can back that with the same firm at 3/1 (4.00).

With the price on Chelsea to win being short, it’s worth having a scout around for more value. The both teams to score market seems to offer a great price at 4/5 (1.80) with William Hill.

Although Chelsea’s home form has been strong in the competition, they have yet to keep a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge and have also conceded in six of their seven Europa league matches.

Add into the fact Basel completely tore apart Tottenham’s defence and need at least two goals to progress in the competition, this bet is certainly worth investing in.

For those looking for more value, it’s tough to ignore the anytime scorer market. David Luiz grabbed the late winner last week when the two sides met and also broke the deadlock in Chelsea’s game versus Fulham two weeks ago, and the price of 11/2 (6.50) for him to net anytime seems to provide excellent value.